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AUTHORS:WESTHEAD_RICKen-caTue, 31 Mar 2015 18:23:46 EDTTue, 31 Mar 2015 18:23:46 EDTCopyright Toronto Star 1996-2013 , http://www.thestar.com/termshttp://www.thestar.com60TORONTO STARhttp://www.thestar.com/etc/designs/thestar/images/general/thestar_250x40.pnghttp://www.thestar.com/feeds.articles.authors_westhead_rick.rss
Young man’s cycling journey cut tragically short by highway accidenthttp://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/07/27/young_mans_cycling_journey_cut_tragically_short_by_highway_accident.html
bed11d11-9558-40b6-a426-ae7fa503d591Sun, 27 Jul 2014 20:47:15 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/gta/2014/07/27/young_mans_cycling_journey_cut_tragically_short_by_highway_accident/iain_gerrard.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>Toronto’s Iain Gerrard, a 23-year-old full of potential, began to find direction in his life during a bike tour into the U.S. South. He never made it back home.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterIain Gerrard, 23, was killed in Tennessee while biking through the U.S.Family HandoutWhat final moments of Malaysia Airlines flight might have looked likehttp://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/07/18/what_final_moments_of_malaysia_airlines_flight_might_have_looked_like.html
e72c3724-6da4-481e-bee6-d456e551d2b1Fri, 18 Jul 2014 20:00:00 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2014/07/18/what_final_moments_of_malaysia_airlines_flight_might_have_looked_like/grieving_relative.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was almost a quarter of way into its 10-hour trip from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down over Ukraine, killing 298.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterA relative of one of the passengers on flight MH17 wipes his eyes as he waits for more information at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam on Thursday. None of the 298 people on board the Malaysia Airlines flight survived.Phil NijhuisThe Associated PressMalaysian airline crash: pilots 'wouldn't stand chance' against missile, expert sayshttp://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/07/17/malaysian_airline_crash_pilots_wouldnt_stand_chance_against_missile_expert_says.html
0662c1d6-2c89-4ad2-913e-fe62f490d51eThu, 17 Jul 2014 14:45:42 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2014/07/17/malaysian_airline_crash_pilots_wouldnt_stand_chance_against_missile_expert_says/malaysia_wreckage.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>Pilots of a civilian airliner wouldn't be able to defend their plane or take evasive manoeuvres when facing a missile attack, an expert says.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterThe wreckage of a Malaysia Airlines flight that crashed in Ukraine on Thursday. An adviser at the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said the plane was brought down by a Russian-made BUK anti-aircraft system.DOMINIQUE FAGETAFP/GETTY IMAGESNHLPA urged to help unionize major junior hockey players http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2014/07/09/nhlpa_urged_to_help_unionize_major_junior_hockey_players.html
2fa61ade-22b7-4db5-b5d3-514044349eaaWed, 9 Jul 2014 15:06:47 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/hockey/2014/07/09/nhlpa_urged_to_help_unionize_major_junior_hockey_players/gilles_lupien.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>The only way a union for major junior hockey players can work is with the help of the NHL Players’ Association, one agent suggests.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterPlayer agent Gilles Lupien attends the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center on June 30, 2013 in Newark, N.J.BRUCE BENNETTGETTY IMAGES FILE PHOTOMajor junior hockey union new mission for player turned activisthttp://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2014/07/08/major_junior_hockey_union_new_mission_for_player_turned_activist.html
3c4e619f-967d-45bc-80be-2bae2653cacbTue, 8 Jul 2014 18:27:23 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/hockey/2014/07/08/major_junior_hockey_union_new_mission_for_player_turned_activist/photo_1jpg.JPG.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>Former Canadian Hockey League player Nicholas Pard recruited by Unifor to push for higher pay and better educational funding for league’s 1,300 young players.
Robert Cribb - Foreign, Investigations, Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterMontreal's Nicholas Pard, recruited by Unifor in a drive to unionize the Canadian Hockey League's players, said he feels "like it's my duty" to protect player rights.Major junior hockey gets new push to unionizehttp://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2014/07/07/major_junior_hockey_gets_new_push_to_unionize_from_familiar_controversial_figure.html
1fecfcd9-f330-40bf-9c27-7d900453dbadMon, 7 Jul 2014 14:49:46 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/hockey/2014/07/07/major_junior_hockey_gets_new_push_to_unionize_from_familiar_controversial_figure/ohl_3.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>Canada’s largest private-sector union is rekindling an effort to unionize 1,300 hockey players in the country’s major junior leagues, two years after the last attempt fizzled in scandal.
Rick Westhead - Staff Reporter, Robert Cribb - Foreign, InvestigationsThe North Bay Battalion and the Guelph Storm face off for an Ontario Hockey League game at North Bay's Memorial Gardens.Steve RussellToronto StarFrom left: Derek Clarke, a former CHLPA spokesperson who was mistakenly identified by some media outlets as Randy Gumbley; Randy Gumbley, who has twice been convicted of defrauding younger players; and Glenn Gumbley, Randy's brother and the man who tried to set up a CHL players association.PETER MCCABE/TORONTO STAR FILE/JEFF VINNICK PHOTOSEx-NHLer Steve Moore ups ante in lawsuit against Bertuzzi, Canuckshttp://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2014/07/02/exnhler_steve_moore_ups_ante_in_lawsuit_against_bertuzzi_canucks.html
f4ad8e46-f243-48c4-a646-9583216c293aWed, 2 Jul 2014 16:43:26 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/hockey/2014/07/02/exnhler_steve_moore_ups_ante_in_lawsuit_against_bertuzzi_canucks/moore.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>Moore’s lawyers increase demand for damages to $68 million from $38 million for hit that ended former Avalanche forward’s NHL career.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterColorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore is attended to by the team trainer after being injured by a hit from the Canucks' Todd Bertuzzi during a game on March 8, 2004. Moore never played another game in the NHL.CHUCK STOODYThe Canadian Press fileMoney from expats built the Philippines. Did it also ruin it?http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/06/30/remittances_built_the_philippines_did_they_also_ruin_it.html
f3dfe92c-ae59-4e52-b591-170623acd360Mon, 30 Jun 2014 07:00:00 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2014/06/30/remittances_built_the_philippines_did_they_also_ruin_it/leslie_nakachima.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>Filipino expats in Canada send $2 billion a year back home. The price is equally high: children growing up without parents.
Rick Westhead - Staff Reporter Leslie Nakachima, a mother of four, depends on remittance money sent by relatives overseas for food, school fees and medicine for her children. "We are really just struggling to survive," she says.
Rick WestheadToronto StarElaborate homes are being built in Pozorrubio, Philippines, with money sent home by locals working overseas.Rick WestheadToronto StarEleanor Obiedo, with son Thomas, says her husband's absence has damaged her marriage. “He’s like a stranger in our home.”Rick WestheadToronto StarFarmer Michael Alcantara in Buasao, Philippines, is milking and caring for a carabao, an indigenous water buffalo, owned by an overseas Filipino worker. The proceeds from the milk are divided between the owner, the farmer and the dairy.Rick WestheadToronto StarMinistry won’t publish its recommendations on garment industryhttp://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/06/17/ministry_wont_publish_its_recommendations_on_garment_industry.html
f60eb229-93f2-4411-b8fe-8c8134228caaTue, 17 Jun 2014 15:38:16 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2014/06/17/ministry_wont_publish_its_recommendations_on_garment_industry/bangladesh_protest.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>Foreign Affairs committee rejects request to publish recommendations for improving oversight of how Canada’s federal ministries purchase garments.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterBangladeshi activists take part in a protest on April 24 marking the first anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse in Dhaka. In the wake of the disaster, a Canadian ministry committee has been examining how the Canadian public and private sectors buy clothing from abroad.MUNIR UZ ZAMANAFP/GETTY IMAGES FILE PHOTOPC’s Elliott holds Whitby-Oshawa but NDP’s French surprises in Oshawa in Ontario Electionhttp://www.thestar.com/news/ontario_election/riding_profiles/2014/06/12/pcs_elliott_holds_whitbyoshawa_but_ndps_french_surprises_in_oshawa_in_ontario_election.html
dcf29b37-f92b-40fd-a76e-acd1232601d1Thu, 12 Jun 2014 22:22:00 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/uploads/2014/6/12/1402626416127.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterJennifer French was a surprise winner for the NDP In Oshawa over incumbent Conservative Jerry Ouellette.TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTOChristine Elliott, widow of the late Jim Flaherty, won election in Whitby-Oshawa.TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTOClothing manufacturer VF Corp. to disclose its Bangladeshi garment factorieshttp://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/05/30/clothing_manufacturer_vf_corp_to_disclose_its_bangladeshi_garment_factories.html
7df00578-6853-4485-869b-b684727ae3cdFri, 30 May 2014 06:00:00 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2014/05/30/clothing_manufacturer_vf_corp_to_disclose_its_bangladeshi_garment_factories/optimum_factory_workers.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>VF Corp., one of world’s largest clothing manufacturers, will begin to disclose names and locations of 91 factories it uses in Bangladesh.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterThe Workers Rights Consortium, a labour rights organization, has twice inspected the Optimum Fashion factory in Narayanganj, Bangladesh, which employs about 600 workers.Workers Rights Consortium PhotoCanadian doctor killed by gunmen in Pakistanhttp://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/05/26/pakistan_gunmen_kill_ahmadi_doctor_from_us.html
cc52078d-d316-4aad-a5ff-6a765d0ea9a6Mon, 26 May 2014 13:34:41 EDTA member of Islam’s controversial Ahmadi sect, cardiologist shot at local cemetery where his father and other family members are buried.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterMinistry confirms it doesn’t audit overseas garment factories http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/05/23/ministry_confirms_it_doesnt_audit_overseas_garment_factories.html
d05f7357-664e-4e9a-8097-d7590eb3b084Fri, 23 May 2014 06:00:00 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2014/05/23/ministry_confirms_it_doesnt_audit_overseas_garment_factories/rana_plaza_3.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>Audit would help ensure employees have safe working conditions and that sweatshop and child labour isn’t being used, critics say.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterActivists and relatives of the victims of the Rana Plaza collapse take part in a protest marking the first anniversary of the disaster on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, on April 24. Some Canadian companies and levels of government have taken steps to improve their accountability, but the federal government remains an exception, critics say.MUNIR UZ ZAMANAFP/GETTY IMAGESWhat sustains homeless teens in Manila: karaokehttp://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/05/17/what_sustains_homeless_teens_in_manila_karaoke.html
8a661a3a-c05c-4cf0-8cdb-dc943a32d696Sat, 17 May 2014 10:30:00 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2014/05/17/what_sustains_homeless_teens_in_manila_karaoke/filipino_alvaro.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>Filipino Alvaro, a homeless teen in Manila, begs on the street during the day. Three times a week, he and his friends find happiness singing karaoke.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterFilipino Alvaro, a homeless 16-year-old in Manila, spends his days begging. When he needs an escape, he sings karaoke.Rick WestheadToronto StarOttawa still dragging feet on garment industry reform, activists sayhttp://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/05/16/ottawa_still_dragging_feet_on_garment_industry_reform_activists_say.html
54ef6800-7ad6-41b1-8c30-f8328da35ea5Fri, 16 May 2014 06:00:00 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2014/05/16/ottawa_still_dragging_feet_on_garment_industry_reform_activists_say/factory_workers.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>16 federal ministries and departments have no idea which factories were used to make clothing for civil servants, documents obtained by Star indicate.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterBangladeshi garment workers arrive for work in Dhaka, Bangladesh. One year after the Rana Plaza disaster, not one Canadian federal ministry or department documents the factories where their apparel is produced.
A.M. AhadThe Associated Press File PhotoPilgrimage’s progress: How Canadian companies are helping to change the hajjhttp://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/04/14/pilgrimages_progress_how_a_canadian_company_is_changing_the_hajj.html
2b398f96-0395-4e66-8195-602f98315b04Mon, 14 Apr 2014 12:14:14 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2014/04/14/pilgrimages_progress_how_a_canadian_company_is_changing_the_hajj/haj.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>Mecca to undergo makeover with help from two Canadian firms.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterIndia election: Battle for world’s largest democracy beginshttp://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/04/07/india_election_battle_for_worlds_largest_democracy_begins.html
fcfdaba6-49c3-4e61-a1ea-ca9dec86ce20Mon, 7 Apr 2014 07:00:00 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2014/04/07/india_election_battle_for_worlds_largest_democracy_begins/foindiaelection.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>The Indian election starts April 7, a contest between three rivals amid a slowing economy and endemic corruption.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterSingh Bassi is one of a dozen Toronto-area residents campaigning on behalf of India's Aam Aadmi party at a call centre in Brampton.Rick WestheadToronto StarNarendra Modi, the Gujarat state chief minister and leader of India's opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is favoured to become the country's next prime minister.
Ajit SolankiAssociated PressAfter two successive terms, the Indian Congress Party, led by Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul (pictured) could face defeat.Anupam NathThe Associated PressArvind Kejriwal, who heads the Aam Aadmi or Common Man party, has vowed to tackle a culture of corruption and entitlement.
Ajit SolankiThe Associated PressJapan embraces the grow-ophttp://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/03/31/japan_embraces_the_growop.html
d32fcb04-7180-44ab-8a0e-257439f666a7Mon, 31 Mar 2014 07:00:00 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2014/03/31/japan_embraces_the_growop/hydroponic_plant.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>Radiation, climate change and age are driving the country’s farmers out of business. The solution is dirt-free agriculture — indoors.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterChiba University, which sells 2,900 heads of hydroponic lettuce per day, is experimenting with ways to grow the produce more quickly.Rick WestheadToronto StarThis Tokyo restaurant boasts an indoor plant factory. More and more restaurants are installing mini factory farms.Rick WestheadToronto StarMasatoshi Kusakari moved his family from Toyko to the countryside over concerns the capital was too close to the Fukushima nuclear facility.Rick WestheadToronto StarShinji Inada, managing director of Spread Co.'s plant factory in Ayabe, Japan, says board members were initially skeptical of hydroponics. "I think their questions have been answered," he says.Rick WestheadToronto StarKey Canadian government clothing supplier buying apparel offshorehttp://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/03/30/key_canadian_government_clothing_supplier_buying_apparel_offshore.html
2b0d9b8e-a2c0-4aba-9a4d-2f52e214b0dcSun, 30 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2014/03/30/key_canadian_government_clothing_supplier_buying_apparel_offshore/cambodian_workers.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>In a policy change, the federal ministry responsible for most apparel purchases will begin to disclose countries where clothing made, a move workers’ rights activists call good first step toward ethical sourcing.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterWorkers' rights activists say a move by the federal ministry responsible for most apparel purchases to disclose where garments are made is a good first step toward a future ethical sourcing policy that will make work safer and better paid for garment workers lilke these women seen in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in January.
TANG CHHIN SOTHYAFP/GETTY IMAGES file photoAmbassador misled Ottawa over housing, report showshttp://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/03/27/ambassador_misled_ottawa_over_housing_report_shows.html
32a0e0a8-8d94-4bb1-bde1-94b2dd4a9c2cThu, 27 Mar 2014 06:00:00 EDT<img src="http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2014/03/27/ambassador_misled_ottawa_over_housing_report_shows/malcolm_mckechniejpg.jpg.size.xxlarge.original.jpg"><br/>Malcolm McKechnie, Canada's former ambassador to Spain, says he did not intentionally withhold information regarding burglaries at residence in Madrid.
Rick Westhead - Staff ReporterMalcolm McKechnie, left, seen in Ottawa in 2006 with Australia's then-Prime Minister John Howard and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, says he did not intentionally withhold information from the Foreign Affairs department.JONATHAN HAYWARDThe Canadian Press File Photo